The park district needs volunteers for its annual Triathlon and Flying feet Kids Fun Run, Sunday, July 27. Help with monitoring the course, cheering on the participants, tracking the swimmers, securing the staging area and many other important tasks. All volunteers receive a T-shirt and refreshments. Call Kathy Altonji at (224) 521-2292 or email Kathy.Altonji@glenviewparks.org
Posted in Charities, Park District
— Wagner Farm is in the market for a soda fountain, which they hope to install this summer at a new ice cream shop on the grounds.
— Glenview Youth Baseball will present the park district with a check for $350,000 – money to be used in building new ball fields at Community Park West.
— Eagle Scout Todd Carney has completed his project at Sleepy Hollow Park – pulling out invasive garlic mustard plants and replacing them with native trees, shrubs and flowers along the banks of the river.
— A dedication ceremony is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, June 28 at the new Crowley Park Field House.
— The Grove will apply for a $200,000 state grant to replace the garage at Redfield Estate with a carriage house, gardens, a wetland overlook and fire pit.
Posted in Park District
Honor our Hometown Heroes this year with a float in the 42nd Annual Independence Day Parade! The deadline to apply is Friday, June 20. For more information or to download an application go to http://www.glenviewparks.org/up-events-July-4.htm
Posted in Park District
The park district has started work on a new recreational complex at Community Park West along Milwaukee Avenue next to Abt. When it opens some time next year, the site will offer a 5-acre dog park, four baseball fields, a playground, game court and walking trails. The cost of the complex — $4 million.
Leaders of a group called Dog Owners of Glenview (DOG) are excited about the community’s first canine facility, but they vowed to lobby for additional dog parks in locations closer to the district’s east side residents. DOG will be raising funds through a raffle of deluxe doggy treats, toys and accessories at this year’s street sale. Residents are invited to visit the group’s booth Saturday, June 28, but village officials have made it clear dogs are not welcome. The trustees passed a special ordinance making it illegal to bring bicycles or pooches to the street fair.
Posted in Park District
Glenview resident Monica Israel appeared before the park board last week, asking the district to ban the “right to life” float that appears each summer at the Independence Day parade. She argued it does not belong in a family event and may be constructed outside the community.
Israel also felt it was inappropriate for children to appear on the float. She suggested they were being used as “pawns for their parents’ political views,” and at the very least she felt the float should be forced to change its sign to read “anti-abortion.” After all, she continued, “we’re all pro-life.”
Israel made the same case five years ago, and the park board promised to look into it. Board Member Judy Beck said the board had considered her argument, but many of the entries in the parade are from groups outside the community.
Posted in Park District
While Glenview’s park district was promised about $200,000 in grant money for exhibits at Wagner Farm, the state has not sent the cash, nor are officials optimistic about nearly $50,000 in money promised for the new Crowley Park.
State Representative Beth Coulson has warned constituents that Illinois is ending this fiscal year “with a $500 million shortfall, $1.7 billion in unpaid bills, a mounting Medicaid debt, an under-funded pension system and hundreds of schools waiting anxiously to receive their two final General State Aid payments.”
She held out little hope that the state’s financial problems would be resolved any time soon. “In Fiscal Year ‘09, the state is only expected to bring in $1.2 million in new revenue and will be facing $2 billion in new spending pressure,” Coulson says.
Posted in Park District
— There is one less cow grazing in the pasture at the corner of Lake Ave. and Wagner Road. Reta, a three-year-old Holstein, died May 9 at Wagner Farm from complications of mastitis, a chronic infection that is common among dairy cows. Reta was often used to demonstrate milking techniques and typical chores associated with a family dairy farm. In 2007 she was awarded the Grand Champion Trophy for the best 4-H dairy entry. Reta gave birth to two calves: Luna was born at the beginning of last February’s full lunar eclipse, and Boo emerged on Halloween night. Both offspring also live at the farm.
— M.J. Coulson has taken the ceremonial gavel as president of the park district. Parks’ Commissioner Judy Beck will be the board’s vice president.
— Glenview has signed 19 participants for the 2008 Independence Day parade and has confirmed a military aircraft flyover. So far residents have nominated five hometown heroes for the honor of riding in the procession.
— The Grove has returned cicada specimens borrowed from the Field Museum for a display this year and picked up a collection of ash borer beetles for its new exhibit. The district has treated about 3,000 ash trees, hoping to protect them from infestation.
— Grove staffers are involved with a U.S. Fish and Wildlife study of the rare Massasauga rattlesnake. So far, none have been sighted in this area. Meanwhile, the district has acquired three other species of snakes, four species of frogs and newts and seven species of fish for displays at The Grove and Air Station Prairie.
— Roosevelt Pool opened for the summer season Saturday. That facility and Flick Pool will be open daily starting June 12.
— The park district has official taken ownership of the Air Station Prairie which was originally developed by the village.
Posted in Park District
The park district has finally gotten word that the state will contribute $400,000 to construction of four additional ball fields, a dog park, pathways, a natural area for storm water detention, shelters and a playground at Community Park West. An informal ground-breaking ceremony is set for 8 a.m. Saturday, May 10.
Another grant for $50,000 will enable the district to add exhibits at Wagner Farm.
The district will spend a total of $19.7 million on other capital projects in the coming year, including improvements to its ice rink, planning for a new maintenance building at Community Park West and a new or renovated administration building.
Playgrounds at Johns, Central, Countryside and Rugen parks and at Pleasant Ridge and Willowbrook schools will see $156,000 in improvements. The district will spend $20,000 to renovate the Johns Park sled hill, replace the golf club’s heating and air conditioning at a cost of $138,000 and provide $38,500 worth of new equipment for Park Center’s gym.
In addition the district’s 108 staffers will see a pay raise of 4.5 percent.
Posted in Park District
— “Hometown Heroes” is the theme of this year’s 4th of July celebration. Parade organizers ask residents to nominate their own hero in an essay of 200 words or less, recognizing someone who lives or works in Glenview and who has made a difference in the lives of others. The deadline for Hometown Hero nominations is June 1. Submission guidelines and Independence Day information are at http://www.glenviewparks.org/up-events-July-4.htm Nominations can be emailed to hometownheroes@glenviewparks.org
— Glenview won high marks for risk management when a statewide self-insurance pool of park districts (PDRMA) reviewed safety records, studied accident reports and toured local facilities. The district got a grade of 97 percent, one of the highest scores in the state. PDRMA and FEMA have also reimbursed the district for last summer’s storm damage and lost golf course business – sending checks for $169,299.
— Season pool pass sales are down from last year at this time, but officials are hopeful that the arrival of warmer weather will get people thinking about summer and signing up.
Posted in Park District
— Outdoor pool memberships are now on sale, with early birders get CHEEPer rates! Park District residents can get $10 off the regular price of each membership now through June 8. Download an application from glenviewparks.org, and mail or drop it off at Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview, 60026 or fax to 847-657-6231.
— Both Glenview Park District golf courses are open for play. Season passes and associate passes are on sale at the Glenview Park Golf Club Golf Shop, 800 Shermer Rd. Call 847-724-0250 for information. Book tee times online for either course at golfglenview.com. Registration for Ladies Golf 101 is going on now at Glenview National 9 Golf Club, 2800 West Lake Ave. Four-week long group lessons for women only start April 23. Call 847-657-1637 for information.
— Join the Dairy Detectives program from 3:45-5 p.m. Friday, April 18 at Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Rd. Visit the milking parlor to see how milk is taken from the cow. Learn how people have used dairy products and make your own ice cream. This program is recommended for kids 6 years of age to 96. Registration is required. The fee for Glenview Park District residents is $12 per person and $15 for nonresidents. Call 847-657-1506 for details.
— The Hold Your Horses program is set for 3:45 p.m. Thursday, April 24at Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Rd. Meet the new Belgian horses, Bob and Sue, and learn how vital horses were to working farms before the advent of the tractor. You’ll also learn about grooming, harnessing and driving the team. For ages 18 to adult. Registration required. The fee for Glenview Park District residents is $20 per person and $25 for nonresidents. Call 847-657-1506 for details.
— Glenview Ice Center hosts its 35th annual show, April 25-27, featuring over 300 skaters. Dates and times are Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 26 at 2 & 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7.50 and may be purchased at the Ice Center, 1851 Landwehr Rd. Call 847-724-2800 for more information.
— College 16” Softball League, for men ages 18 and older is open for registration. Games are played at Community West Park, 1001 Zenith Drive. Register at Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Avenue. The deadline is Saturday, May 17. Call 847-724-5670 for details.
— Join the Glenview Park District for a summer of adventure, exploration and creativity. Registration is currently open for all camps – early childhood, athletic, arts, crafts, general, nature and more – and can be done online at www.glenviewparks.org or in person at Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave. Call 847-724-5670.
Posted in Park District
— Citizens Organized for WagnerS (C.O.W.S) has donated its records on how the farm was saved to the park district and presented a check for $8,000 to be used for the planned Wagner Farm orchard. Farm Director Todd Price says apple, pear, plum and cherry trees could be planted as early as May.
— The park board has accepted bids for work on the ice center, which will begin at the end of April and be completed in September of this year.
— The district has applied for permission to sell beer at its executive course – the National 9s.
Posted in Park District
— The spring lottery deadline is February 25 at 7:30 p.m. Register online at https://secure.glenviewparks.org/wbstatics/vsiwebtrac.html for sports, arts, fitness and special interest programs, as well as classes and activities at The Grove, Glenview Ice Center, Tennis Club and Golf Club. Open registration begins at 9 a.m., Friday, March 7.
— Summer pool memberships are now on sale. Residents who buy on or before June 8 will get an early bird discount. For details, call 847-724-5670.
— Friday night Fish Frys are back at the golf club’s café from 5-8 p.m. at 800 Shermer Road. The buffet features soup and salad, baked haddock, fried cod, popcorn shrimp, fried clams and more for $10.95 per person ($6.95 for kids under 12). Cocktails and other menu items are also available. For more information call 847-657-3200. Dates: February 22 and 29, March 7 and 14.
— Cinderella’s Princess Ball for girls 4-12 and their dads or other special dates will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22 at Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Avenue. Girls’ attire: gowns. Activities: music, dancing and refreshments. Cost: $45 per coulple. To register, call 847-724-5670.
— Residents who’ve recently purchased a digital camera or plan to do so are invited to a free seminar on how to take digital photos from 1-3 p.m. Friday, February 22 at Park Center. Registration is required. Call 847-724-4793.
— The Upscale Resale Treasure Sale at The Grove’s Redfield Estate will feature a unique selection of previously owned collectibles, jewelry, books, housewares, toys, and antiques. Sale dates are Friday, February 22, 12-8 p.m.; Saturday, February 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, February 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1421 Milwaukee Avenue. Admission is $1. If you have questions or would like to donate or sell items, call 847-299-6096.
— The Tyner Center at 2400 Compass Road presents Going Green, an environmental program, Sunday, March 2, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Learn how you can do your part to conserve energy and protect the environment. You’ll see how a sustainable building operates and how you can incorporate some of these eco-friendly ideass into your home. Recommended for ages 16-adult. The cost is $10 for park district residents and $12.50 for nonresidents. Registration is going on now at Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave. or online at www.glenviewparks.org. For more information call 847-299-6096.
— Kids and adults are invited to Wagner Farm’s Crafty Calves program to learn about the farm’s residents and make a special craft. Each month features a different farm animal. Learn about horses from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 6 or Wednesday, March 12 . The fee is $11.50 per resident adult-child pair and $14.38 for nonresidents. Call 847-657-1506 to register.
— Kids 6 and older can become a Naturalist for a Day at The Grove. Explore behind the scenes in the “authorized personnel only” areas and discover what it’s like to feed and handle The Grove’s animals and fish from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. The cost is $8 for park district residents and $10 for nonresidents. Register Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave. or online at www.glenviewparks.org. For more information call 847-299-6096. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
— The Grove’s Natural Science classroom is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Individuals and families are welcome to discover nature through science equipment, environmental displays, touching tanks, etc. The highlighted theme will be Hawks & Owls in February. For further details on this or any Grove activity, call (847)
Posted in Park District
— Park Center Health and Fitness will be raising rates by 3 percent to $39.50 a month for singles, $61.25 for couples and $104.75 for a family of four. Splash Landings will have a longer shut down period for maintenance in 2008, but the park district says it will now open at 7 a.m. on weekends and allow anyone 13 or older to swim in lap lanes. Continue reading
Posted in Park District
The Glenview Watch 